Tidal Thames - prosecution

The captain of a Thames passenger boat has been fined for dangerous navigation on the river Thames.

Liam Cairns (34) from Sidcup, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates Court on 14 December 2016.

The court was told that Cairns, captain of Sky Clipper, was in charge of the boat for a private charter on July 7 2016, when it sailed dangerously close to the river wall at speed.

He admitted two charges, leaving the navigation channel and careless navigation, and was fined £440 with court costs of £375.

Cairns was dismissed by his employer (MBNA Thames Clippers) on 29 July 2016 prior to the determination of the Case, due to breach of company procedure.

Commenting, Mark Towens, the Port of London Authority (PLA) harbourmaster for the London area said:

“Fortunately, no collision took place and no one was injured during this unsafe navigation. But this prosecution underlines the need to follow safety rules at all times. And that the Port of London Authority will prosecute people who endanger safety on the river.”